CHAPTER SIX: Downhill

The soldiers headed back to war after the wedding. Alexander bid his wife goodbye.

They shared one final hug before Eliza said, "Stay alive."

"I promise." Alexander said.

He and the other soldiers headed off to Valley Forge.

Alexander took over writing Washington's letters to Congress. The war wasn't going well. Everyday, more soldiers died, and everyday, they came closer to losing this war. One day, he got a letter from them, urging the troops to attack. He sighs angrily and picks up a paper and pen.

We have resorted to eating our horses. Merchants deny equipment and assistance. They only take British money, so sing a song of sixpence-

The entrance to the tent opened. The General came in, stressed.

"The cavalry's not coming."

"But sir-"

"Alex, listen. There's only one way to win this." Washington grabbed Alexander by the shoulders (1). "Provoke outrage. Outright."

Alexander nodded. "That's right."

"Don't engage, strike by night." Washington leaned on the desk.

"Make it impossible to justify the cost of the flight."

"Outrun."

"Outrun."

"Outlast."

"Outlast."

"Hit them quick, get out fast."

"Uh huh."

"Stay alive until this horror show has passed. . . We're gonna fly a lot of flags half-mast."

"Yeah."

Later on Alexander and his friends met up for a small drink.

"Let's hope we get through this." Alexander said.

"Raise a glass." All four of them said, clicking their glasses.

The war continued on, Mulligan went back to his apprenticeship in New York.

Lafayette wrote to his home country, hoping they'd send a ship. As for Laurens, he and Alexander wrote essays against slavery, fighting day after day.

The war continued, the Americans picking and choosing their battles, stealing supplies.

Alexander went to his General everyday asking to command a troop everyday. And everyday his response was, "No."

Instead, Charles Lee got promoted to second in command.

Not the best choice.

The soldiers fought brutally. Washington yelled, "ATTACK!" as his command.

Meanwhile, Lee commanded the soldiers to retreat.

When the battle was over, Lee was called to the General's tent.

"What were you doing, Lee? Get back on your feet!" Washington said.

"But there was so many of them!"

"I'm sorry, is this not your speed?" Washington asked, sarcastically. Alexander smirked from the desk. "You're done, Lee."

"But, sir-"

"Hamilton!" Washington turned to Alexander. He jumped up from his seat ready to take charge.

"Ready, sir!"

"Have Lafayette take the lead."

". . . Yes, sir."

A thousand soldiers died in a hundred degree heat that battle. The Americans snatched a stalemate from the jaws of defeat. Lee was left behind with nothing and he started saying things about Washington.

"Washington cannot be left alone to his devices. Indecisive from crisis to crisis. The best thing he can do from the revolution is go back to planting tobacco in Mount Vernon."

When Alexander heard about this, he ran to the General.

"Don't do a thing, history will prove him wrong." Washington said, not even looking up from his desk.

"But, sir-"

"We have a war to fight let's move along."

The two argued back in forth but in the end, Washington won out.

Alexander stormed out of the tent. Laurens joined him.

"Strong words from Lee, someone oughta hold him to it." he said, seeing the look on his friend's face.

"I can't disobey direct orders. . ." Alexander said, looking back at the tent.

". . . Then I'll do it. Alexander, you're the closest friend I've got."

"Laurens, do not throw away your shot."

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

There are ten steps to a duel.

The challenge. Demand satisfaction. If they apologize no need for further action.

"Lee, I'm not going to let your words against Washington stand." Laurens said. "I challenge you do a duel."

If they don't, grab a friend. That's your second. Your lieutenant. When there's reckoning to be reckoned.

"Alexander, I want you to be my second."

Have your seconds meet face to face. Negotiate a peace or negotiate a time and place. This is commonplace, especially between recruits. Most disputed die and no one shoots.

"Burr, John is going through with this, whether you like it or not."

If they don't reach a peace, that's alright. Time to get some pistols and a doctor on sight. You pay him in advance, you treat him with civility. You have him turn around so he can have deniability.

"Ready, John?"

". . . Yeah."

Duel before the sun is in the sky. Pick a place to die where it's high and dry. Leave a note for your next of kin. Pray the hell or heaven lets you in.

Dear, Father. . .(2)

Confess your sins. Ready for the moment of adrenaline, when you finally meet your opponent.

"Alexander, I have a child." (3)

Your last chance to negotiate. Send in your seconds, see if they can set the record straight.

"Alexander."

"Aaron Burr, sir."

"Can we agree the duels are immature?"

"Sure. But your man had to answer for his words, Burr."

"With his life. We both know that's absurd, sir."

"Hang on. How many men died, because Lee was inexperienced and ruinous?"

"Okay, so we're doing this."

Look him in the eye, aim no higher. Summon all the courage you require, then count.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Number ten paces, FIRE!

Sup, guys. I'm BACK. Sorry I've been gone for so long. Damn the last time I posted was like in December.

(1) I hate people touching my shoulders and writing that made me flinch.

(2) I don't know what Laurens wrote before the duel.

(3) I don't know when John had his child. I'm just making room for a confession.